Here are some weeds we recently sighted around the property. All are fun to observe, but two, ragweed and wild parsnip, we are especially careful around.
![](https://southwickfamilyfarm.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2107ragweed6.jpg)
This is young RAGWEED. It has a small unobtrusive flower that causes a lot of allergy issues this time of year.
![](https://southwickfamilyfarm.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2107chicory5.jpg)
The blue flowers of CHICORY open in the sun and heat and close in the cool and rain. This is abundant throughout our fields this year.
![](https://southwickfamilyfarm.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2107milkweed3.jpg)
MILKWEED is the plant of choice for monarch butterflies to lay eggs on. The larva then eat the leaves until it is large enough to form a chrysalis, from which the monarch will emerge. Note the milkweed pods forming near the bottom of the stalk.
![](https://southwickfamilyfarm.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2107wildparsnip4.jpg)
WILD PARSNIP is here much of the summer. The sap can cause blisters and a skin reaction. It has a yellow flower that sort of resembles the dillweed flower.
![](https://southwickfamilyfarm.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2107mullein.jpg)
MULLEIN is a large weed with velvety soft leaves. The spiky top gets lots of pretty yellow flowers.